The Dog with the Plastic Jar on his Head

Every morning we walk with our pups early in the morning to beat the heat. On the morning of April 11, just as we were beginning our walk we found this dog with what looked like a plastic pickle type jar stuck on his head. We knew this was a serious situation. Since we could not get close enough to him, we had to guess on what type of jar it was. I immediately took our pups back home and my husband and I tried to help the pup.

He was scared and incredibly fast for a dog with limited visibility through the jar. My husband was close a few times but was unable to reach the dog. The dog then bolted and we lost sight of him.

We immediately went home and I called the City of Fort Worth. The lady that I spoke with was very nice, she stated that she was alerting animal control, provided me with a confirmation number and stated that if we see the dog again to call and let them know the location.

I then shared the story with our neighbors through Nextdoor. Hoping that others would help to search for him. And they did.

One of the superstar neighbors who helped with this dogs rescue, Mike Phipps immediately went out to see if he could locate him. Animal Control showed up but they did not see him so they left and said to call if the dog was found. Mike continued to search for the dog. Mike was told that another person called in on the same day about the dog and someone also called in on Saturday, April 8 stating that they saw the dog with the jar on his head. So this poor dog had been with a jar on his head for at least 4 days. 

Mike, myself and countless neighbors spent the day driving around the neighborhood looking for the dog. I spoke to mail carriers alerting them of the dog, and one gave me a tip but I didn't locate him there. Thank you so very much to those who helped search the neighborhood for him!

Later in the day, I created signs to post during my next ride around the neighborhood. I took the pups for the ride since they had been stuck in the house all day. For a third time, I retraced the path that the dog was going when he bolted from us that morning, driving slowly thinking that the dog might be laying down somewhere out of clear sight. 

Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw a plastic jar. I pulled over and there he was, curled up nearly under a bush in a bunch of leaves. 

I immediately called Mike who was the point of contact. Mike called his contact at Animal Control who arrived a little later. Mike, Eddie and myself were positioned around the area in case he got away, we patiently waited as the Animal Control officers got into position. The Animal Control officers were able to catch him and remove the plastic jar from his head. 

To say that we were relieved was an understatement. This poor dog had been through hell not being able to eat or drink for at least 4 days. Not to mention how difficult it must have been to breath in it.

Thank you so very much to the Animal Control officers who were able to catch him and remove the jar. They did an amazing job working with the terrified pup. Special thanks to the staff at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control along with all of the volunteers who are taking great care of him.

Knowing that the dog would need a rescue or to be adopted, I created a post to tell people about his story. My husband named him Pickles. And as a temporary name it kinda stuck.

Now, there were two things that were difficult to identify while the plastic jar was on his head when we saw him that morning. His breed, which with the jar on his head looked to be a Boxer to me and what type of jar was on his head. Personally, it didn't matter to me what type of jar is was, I'm simply grateful that it was removed.

I was soon contacted by Annie from Nextdoor. They noticed my post and wanted to share it. Thank you so very much, Annie! With Annie's help, this dog has received a lot of attention which will hopefully give him an excellent chance at a wonderful forever home. And that is what this is really all about. Saving a dog and finding him a home.

(picture from his page on Petango)

I am very thankful for Nextdoor. It allowed me to quickly share this dogs situation and our neighborhoods response was amazing! I am extremely thankful for Mike and all his help! Mike has a pet sitting business, Pet's Best Friend in East Fort Worth. If you are in the area and need a pet sitter give him a call at 817-713-3179.

WFAA ABC was kind enough to run a news piece about Pickles. They even interviewed me and Mike. It was a great opportunity to share Pickles with more people and hopefully increase his chances for finding the best forever home possible. 

(Photo courtesy of Eddie Sakerka from Pet's Best Friend)